The Department of Health (DoH) has published its updated health and social care framework, covering all stages of childhood from pregnancy to 19 years old.
The Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework sets out a universal public health programme that offers every family with children access to assessments, screenings, surveillance, immunisations, developmental reviews, information, and guidance to support parenting and healthy choices.
The framework also responds to the growing demand for special educational needs support in schools, recommending that early identification pathways are strengthened, and that children with additional needs receive timely advice, support, and onward referral.
Commissioner Chris Quinn shares his views on the latest framework.
“Yesterday’s publication of the Department of Health’s (DoH) refreshed Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework is a reassuring step towards the Department placing children at the centre of the health and social care system, ensuring every child and young person receives the best possible start in life.
I welcome that the framework recognises the crucial role of midwives, health visitors, family nurses, GPs, school nurses, other health and social care professionals, and families. They help shape the future health and wellbeing of children from infancy to adulthood.
I also welcome the Minister’s comments today, emphasising the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. My office and I have repeatedly stressed the need for support for families, babies and children, from the earliest stages, including during pregnancy. We must continue to turn the tide and ensure that more resources are directed towards early intervention and support.
In the coming days, I will publish a joint statement on behalf of the European Network of
Ombudspersons for Children, on ‘The Protection and Promotion of Children’s Right to Physical Health’. This statement stresses the importance of early intervention, with particular attention to the critical first 1,000 days of life, by resourcing and strengthening healthcare systems to provide equitable, high-quality support and healthy environments from the very start.
Confirmation of funding the Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework continues to be a challenge, with costings and allocations uncertain as the DoH budget remains under pressure. This instability is undermining Northern Ireland’s health and social care system, often leaving healthcare providers and families without the support they need.
Sustained investment is essential. The DoH and other relevant Departments must commit to adequate, long-term investment in strategies, public health initiatives, and services under the Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework, including consistent resourcing for community and voluntary sector organisations.
Furthermore, the Department of Health’s compliance with the Children’s Services Co-operation Act is essential to the effective delivery of the framework, as it places a duty on Departments to co-operate with one another and with other public bodies to improve the well-being of children and young people, requiring joined-up planning, pooling of resources and collaboration across the healthcare system and beyond.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) clearly outlines the Government’s responsibility to make every possible effort, within available resources, to realise the right to health and advance it without delay. This is one reason why I believe the full and direct incorporation of the UNCRC would ensure adequate access to healthcare and a more effective use of public funds.
The Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework has the potential to develop a strong and sustainable NI health and social care system for generations. I look forward to seeing its progress.”
Read the Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework here.
